The University of South Florida volleyball team finalized its 2012 schedule, and will be starting its new season under a new coach with a few big tests right off the bat.

The Bulls will open their season at home August 25, against Wisconsin out of the Big Ten, kicking off the USF Invitational which also includes Creighton and UCF, as the Bulls make their return to the Corral.

"I think we're all anxious to get back and play in the Corral," head coach Courtney Draper said. "The freshmen have heard stories about the Rec Center, and I think they are just as motivated as the returners to play back on our home court. Our first tournament offers us some steep competition, and I'm excited to see how our team will battle on opening weekend."

USF will play one more home tournament after traveling to North Carolina State and St. Louis, and then dive into conference play.

This year's home schedule includes 16 home matches, including contests against Louisville and Cincinnati during the last weekend of September.

"USF has always played Cincinnati and Louisville tough," Draper said. "So to be back in the Corral to face those two teams will be a really exciting atmosphere for our players, our fans, and our coaching staff."

The Bulls will face FGCU, FAMU and Central Michigan in non-conference games outside of tournament play. USF will have nine fresh faces and a brand new staff, leading to some intrigue as USF prepares to kick off the 2012 season.

"There's a lot of excitement this year, with a young team and a new coaching staff," Draper said. "The last staff laid a great foundation for this program, and we are looking forward to picking up where they left off. I think our fans will feed off of this team's energy."